Runner Registration Open, Sponsors Sought for Annual Run for Education

The Education Alliance of Washoe County is hosting its 13th annual Run for Education in Sparks on Oct. 21 and registration is underway, with a sponsorship commitment deadline of Sept. 21.

Sponsorship benefits include a logo on the back of T-shirts, a tabling opportunity for an audience of almost 9,000 people, banner display, event video spotlight and media attention, according to the Education Alliance.

“Organizers are seeking sponsors to reach their annual goal of $200,000 to provide needed funding for P.E., student wellness and nutrition programs in Washoe County School District elementary schools,” a statement from the Education Alliance said.

The event at Scheels All Sports, 1200 Scheels Drive, consists of 10K and 5K runs, along with half-mile runs for children.

More than 8,700 attended last year’s event and students from 90 schools took part. There were almost 4,000 runners and proceeds from sponsorships provided a $2,000 Kids in Motion grant to 55 schools to fund physical education and nutrition activities. Other proceeds went toward the Passport Program that provides assistance for high school students planning to attend college or career training programs.

During the previous 12 years, the event has collectively raised almost $2 million.

Entry fees are $10 for children in eighth grade and younger and $15 for high school and college students with school identification. Cost is $40 for all other entrants registered by Sept. 21, $50 before Oct. 20 and $60 on race day . Registration includes a T-shirt, entrance into fitness fair activities prior to the run, and a finishers medal for students.

Children younger than 14 must be accompanied by an adult and those entering the 10K must maintain a minimum 15-minute per mile pace. To guarantee a properly-sized T-shirt, entrants are encouraged to register by Sept. 21.

The Oct. 21 schedule is as follows:

6:30 a.m. Late registration opens

7:15 a.m. Fitness fair activities begin

7:30 a.m. Opening ceremonies

8 a.m. 10K race

8:15 a.m. 5K race

8:30 a.m. Sparks Marina March

9 a.m. Half-mile run for kindergarten through second grade

9:15 a.m. Half-mile run for third and fourth grade

9:30 a.m. Half-mile run for fifth grade and above

The 5K run is 3.1 miles and the 10K is 6.2 miles. Awards for the 5K and 10K runs are scheduled to start at 9 a.m., while awards for top participating schools start at 10 a.m.

Carla has an undergraduate degree in journalism and more than 10 years experience as a daily newspaper reporter. She grew up in Jacksonville, Fla., moved to the Reno area in 2002 and wrote for the Reno Gazette-Journal for 8 years, covering a variety of topics. Prior to that, she covered local government in Fort Pierce, Fla.